Penang football fans thrilled with Faiz's win

GEORGE TOWN: Penang football fans are thrilled that attacking midfielder Mohd Faiz Subri, 29, won the prestigious Puskas Award today.
Leading the way was Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who congratulated the footballer for being the first Asian to win the title.
He said the achievement brought honour and glory to Malaysia and described the win as a “unique achievement.”
“Mohd Faiz Subri has worked hard for his success and there is no substitute for hard work,” he said in a press conference and urged the younger generation to emulate the example set by the 29-year-old.
Trader Tan Beng Ghee, 28, meanwhile said he was proud a Malaysian had made his mark in world football.
Hawker Cheah Sek Cheen, 63, hopes the win will spur local players to improve their skills.
“My seven-year-old grandson is more interested in football now,” he added and hoped this win will augur well for football development in the country.
Retiree Zainol Ahmad, 71, said Mohd Faiz has captured his imagination just like Mokhtar Dahari used to in the halcyon days of Malaysian football.
Security guard PV Jagendhren, 60, said he was proud with the win and hoped this can spur Mohd Faiz to greater professional heights.
The attacking midfielder shot to global fame after his spectacular free kick against Pahang during a Super League match in Feb 16 last year was shortlisted for the award.
Fans voted online for their favourite and the goal by Mohd Faiz came out tops which saw him beat Johnath Marlone Azevedo da Silva of Brazil and Daniuska Rodriguez of Venezuela.
The award is named after Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskas who enjoyed huge success with Real Madrid in the 1950s and 60s as well as the highly successful Hungarian side of the same era.